Preparing Your Will: A Checklist

Robert S. Thomas,

11th April 2017

A lawyer can help you plan your estate to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of. When I help a client prepare a will, I need complete and accurate information to provide the best legal guidance possible. For this reason, I’ve put together a checklist of information that you will need to gather for your consultation with you lawyer to prepare your will.

The names, dates of births, social security numbers, and locating information for you, your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, and any other descendants. If you do not have a surviving spouse or any children, bring information about your parents, siblings, and anyone else you wish to benefit from your estate.

If you have been married more than once, the name and information of prior spouses and children from those marriages.

Information regarding any real estate you own, including your primary residence, any vacation properties, and investment properties. This information includes the value of the properties, mortgage information, co-owners, and insurance.

Information regarding personal property, such as cars, boats, and motorcycles, and their VIN and serial numbers.

A detailed description of other property with an insured valuation, including art, jewelry, precious metals or gems, collectibles, or electronics.

A list of investments, such as stocks and bonds, and a detailed description of: (1) your brokerage firm account number(s); (2) stock and bond names; (3) the quantities owned; and (4) the current market valuations of each.

Relevant documents for any business interests that you own, or have an ownership share in.

A complete list and detailed description of any trusts that you have established, that you benefit from, or that your spouse or children benefit from.

A comprehensive list of your debts and obligations, including secured and unsecured liabilities.

A copy of any previously created will, power of attorney, or living will.

The names and contact information of any individuals that you would want to be guardian of any of your minor children.

The name and contact information of any individual who you want to designate as executor of your will.

Thoughts about whether you want your loved ones to have access to their inheritance all at once or over time.

Be prepared and develop a list of any questions you have for your attorney. For example: “Can you tell me the benefits of establishing a trust?” There really are no dumb questions, as your lawyer wants to be sure that you are making fully informed decisions. Also bring a list of your goals, as the ultimate objective in estate planning is making sure that your loved ones are taken care of.

I am interested in helping you take care of your family. For more than two decades, I have helped clients plan their estates, represented them in complex tax situations, and resolved child custody and divorce matters. I can help you with all of your estate planning objectives. My team and I are compassionate, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented and want to work with you. Call my team at the Law Offices of Robert S. Thomas. Our phone number is 847-392-5893 or you can visit our website to set up a consultation.